.png)
By Madu Obi
Following the tragic building collapse at Odu-Igbo Market, Ochanja in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Monday night, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has paid an emergency visit to the site and ordered demolition of all unapproved structures in the area.
Addressing a large crowd at the scene of the incident, Governor Soludo announced that 26 individuals had been rescued and hospitalized, while five casualties were recorded.
Soludo said rescue efforts were ongoing to locate those still trapped under the rubbles, even as he expressed deep sadness at the incident.
"This is a tragedy and an incident that was not supposed to happen," Soludo lamented, and emphasized his commitment to tackling the issue of illegal constructions and impunity in the state.
He said that the collapsed building was erected by a private developer without government approval.
The governor said: "The contractor at his own cost will come and put down the illegal buildings he erected here. They are all going to come down. My government did not approve of this building. We will redesign this area and build it properly.
"All buildings constructed without proper approval will be brought down henceforth, including structures currently under construction at other markets.
"A comprehensive inventory of buildings in Anambra markets and public places will be conducted."
"Markets will undergo integrity tests to identify and remove potentially unsafe structures and individuals found responsible for illegal construction, will face legal consequences. We can't afford to waste one life because of the greed of a few."
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety and vowed to eradicate what he called "the impunity and lawlessness surrounding unauthorized construction".
He also promised that the hospital bills of those receiving treatment would be undertaken by the state government and expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives
The chairman of Ochanja Market, Mr. Bonaventure Mmuo, pledged to disseminate the governor's message to all market leaders in the state.
Comments